Saturday’s biggest stories for the Reds…
Rodgers heaps praise on Gerrard
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Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea would have ‘broken’ weaker characters, and has backed his captain to put in a strong performance when the teams meet again later today.
Rodgers said: “I think it would have broken weaker characters. But Steven has got the inner-strength that only the very, very best players have. You have to have that to perform at the level he has for 15 years at one of the top clubs in the world where the scrutiny is on you week in, week out.
“He has performed at a level that gets him over disappointments, that allows him to keep going and it is his character that defines him above even his talent. He has been remarkable for this club throughout his career here, and will continue to be.”
Reds prepare £30m striker bid
Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a £30m move for Porto striker Jackson Martinez. The Colombian striker has scored an excellent 72 goals in 106 games for the Portuguese giants but is reportedly on the look-out for a new challenge.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Martinez in the summer and although a bid failed to materialise, Arsene Wenger is still thought to be keen.
However, according to the Daily Express, it is Liverpool who are in pole position and could make a move in January. Brendan Rodgers is in need of more options in attack and has funds to strengthen.
Title chances over – says Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has warned Liverpool another defeat by his Chelsea side will end their title chances this season, as his team heads to Anfield with unbeaten blues four points clear of the field and 12 ahead of Brendan Rodgers’ men.
Liverpool’s title bid last season unravelled in this fixture last season and Mourinho said: “I expect a game where Liverpool know that, if they lose, they are 15 points behind. If they are 15 points behind in November, obviously it’s not over but it’s difficult.
“If they win, nine points behind is different to 15. It’s a very good motivation for them. So I expect them to try and win. But our intention is to win. Our intention is, when we have the ball, to score goals.
Chase heating up for Reds reject Lucas
Reds midfielder Lucas is now a target for a second Italian club – AC Milan. The Brazilian was reportedly on Napoli’s radar last summer with boss Rafael Benitez keen for a reunion with the player he took to Anfield.
But according to reports in Italy, they will face competition from the Rossoneri who are desperate for more options in the middle of the park. It is thought Milan may table a bid in the new year with Lucas struggling for first-team chances at Liverpool.
Man United legend defends Rodgers
Gary Neville insists criticism of Rodgers is unfair – and it should be the players in the firing line: “No manager should have to go from being the most exciting young coach in the league six months ago to being told he does not know what he’s doing today.
“Rodgers has shown a talent for calculation, and has been bold enough to take a gamble by leaving senior players out of the side to play Real Madrid.
“This is a manager who has been placed in these high-pressure situations for the first time, and has taken a gamble, based on sound reasoning, only to be accused of violating the club’s traditions.
“We should be lauding him in this early stage of his top-level career for raising the bar for Liverpool in the first place with their second-place Premier League finish in May.”
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